When information on millions of students and teachers nationwide was exposed in a 2024 data breach, Neha Amaraneni wanted to explain what happened to her younger relatives, but she couldn't find any books that described cybersecurity at a level elementary and middle school students could understand.

So, she decided to write a book to fill in that gap.

In "Cyber Clues: The Secret Door," two brothers find their uncle's diary and learn of his background as a computer hacker. As the brothers uncover more and more about their uncle's past activities, readers learn lessons about cybersecurity.

"They're the reason I wrote the book," Amaraneni said of her cousins, one of whom co-authored the book with her. "She loves mystery novels, which is why we chose that format."

The pair went through countless rewrites over a 10-month period, with the cousin suggesting plot twists and chapter-ending cliffhangers and Amaraneni working digital literacy and online safety lessons into the story. Fitting the project around her Wake Tech schedule involved working early in the morning and late into the night.

"I need to be active most of the time," she said in an understatement.

In addition to finishing her Associate in Science degree, Amaraneni is a Scott Scholar, a Student Government Association senator and a Peer Tutor. 

"Neha is an astounding young woman. At a young age she has manage to identify her passion, solidify her goals and go after them," said Stephanie Lake, chief operating officer of the Wake Tech Foundation, who works closely with Scott Scholars. "To write and self-publish a book and complete an associate degree all before the age of 20 is nothing short of inspiring. I can't wait to see what she accomplishes next."

Amaraneni also is a member of the college's Future Business Leaders of America chapter and placed second at the 2025 national conference in the Business Presentation category.

"I'm a curious person. I love exploring different things," she said, noting the FBLA has helped her build a business mindset for her future.

"I'm not a business person, so I learn by doing," she added. "You fail, you learn something. You fail again, you learn something else."

Amaraneni has already learned how to tap into Wake Tech's resources. She turned to the Wake Review, the college's literary magazine, for assistance while writing the book. Counseling from the Entrepreneurship & Small Business Center helped with getting the book published and with marketing ideas.

Being a Scott Scholar provided Amaraneni the opportunity to have a one-on-one discussion with President Emeritus Dr. Stephen Scott, who provided career advice regarding her plans to become a teacher. Her ultimate goal, she says, is to create a cybersecurity curriculum for middle school students, combining her technology, educational and business interests.

She also says "The Secret Door" is just the first in a planned series of "Cyber Clues" books, which each succeeding installment covering more complex cybersecurity topics than the one before.

"I hope Neha continues as an educator. I think she will be an inspiration to many students," said Carrie Carreno-Zingaro, who oversees Wake Tech's Peer Tutors program. "Her warm smile and encouraging nature are a core part of her success as a tutor."

As a native of India, Amaraneni singled out the International Students Office as a vital part of her Wake Tech experience, noting the staff ensure she and other foreign students remain headed in the right direction to achieve their goals.

She says she came to North Carolina because it's a technology hub that offered career opportunities. But she chose Wake Tech for its community.

"As a smaller college, you get individual attention and support from professors," she said. "You need that community behind you, and Wake Tech makes me feel like I'm home again."